Sylacauga – “We are here for a reason,” was the message from ACG Hospice Vice President of Operations Michelle Harden, as she introduced local, regional, and national company representatives during a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Sylacauga for their newest location in Victorian Village.
“Our hospice is a ministry,” she explained, “and our team is dedicated to becoming a true part of the community of Sylacauga. God has had His hand on our mission since our beginning. It is bigger than us, as we enterfamily’s lives at their most vulnerable moment.”
Hospice care is a medical care model focused on comfort. Hospice care aims to manage the patient’s symptoms while supporting their quality of life. It provides support for family caregivers, as well. Both roles are invaluable for managing patient needs and a family life that simply doesn’t stop because a loved one needs professional care.
The new Sylacauga branch taff of 12 starts with their caregiving “angels” – nurses, CNAs, a Chaplian, and other direct support personnel, coordinated by a Hospice Liaison, and under the Direction of Medical Director, Dr. Imad Khdair and Director of Operations Kelly Strickland.
Vice President of Development Demetrius Hoyett, who was instrumental in the process that selected Sylacauga as the newest location said, “We strive to create a family atmospere at each location, because we serve entire families. We now have 5 North Alabama locations, including Pell City and Ranbow City in this region, and 12 locations across Alabama.”
Asked what does ACG stands for, he explained, “We are ACG Hospice as a legal entity in Alabama,” he said, adding with a big smile, “But it stands for Agape Care Group, as agape is the reciprocal covenant of the love between God and humans. It fits who we are and what we provide patients and families.”
